Description
A flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with rice in a zesty salsa verde sauce, enhanced with aromatic spices and fresh cilantro for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add rice and liquids: Stir in the rice, coating it well with the spices and oil. Pour in the salsa verde and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the dish: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side for added brightness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a diced jalapeño along with the onions for some heat.
- Using brown rice will increase the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes but adds a nuttier texture.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the salsa verde and chicken broth are certified gluten-free brands.
- This recipe can be adapted with shredded rotisserie chicken to speed up preparation.
